High hopes for low-profile operator Mable Chan as new Hong Kong transport chief

Newly appointed Hong Kong transport minister Mable Chan’s strong grasp of policy will make her the ideal person to form a mutually complementary partnership with the new tourism chief, observers have said.

After replacing sacked transport secretary Lam Sai-hung on Thursday, Chan, 58, vowed to focus on four main areas, including leading the way on various rail projects while seeking to enhance Hong Kong as an international aviation hub with a more active and strategic approach to fight for overseas traffic rights.

“I will spearhead the bureau to work with the Airport Authority to jointly enhance and consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub,” she said.

“This will include greatly extending the aviation network while the Transport and Logistics Bureau will adopt more active and strategic planning to negotiate traffic rights with overseas jurisdictions.

“I will also liaise with various departments to develop the world-leading Airport City in an orderly manner from next year.”

Chan has risen through the civil service ranks and served in various bureaus and departments since joining the government in 1989. She was appointed commissioner for transport in 2017 before being promoted to permanent secretary for transport and logistics in August 2020.